Help numerically-challenged person with VAT and customs tax

Halloumi4ever

Hi everyone,

I actually have dyscalculia and I just can't wrap my mind around the VAT and customs tax for items arriving from Germany, so I'd really appreciate some help on whether I'll need to pay any tax on it or not. 

I ordered a backpack from Wardow, the website is in English, with prices displayed in GBP, and no note about any charges at the checkout.  


I wasn't aware that the item is being shipped from Germany. I only realised it once I received a tracking email. 

Do you think I'll need to pay anything? And if so, can I refuse to collect it and get refund? I used Amex via PayPal for payment. 

Thank you in advance! 

SonnyLumiere

Wardow is a German company - their website is pretty clear about this - see the Terms & Conditions

Halloumi4ever

SonnyLumiere said:

Wardow is a German company - their website is pretty clear about this - see the Terms & Conditions

Yes, of course it's in Ts&Cs. I know that now, it's too late and now I have this problem on my hands, so I'm asking if anyone could offer some answers. 

SonnyLumiere

ok, try reading the posts on Trustpilot for this company - some might help you

DullGreyGuy

Its under £135 in price and so in theory any taxes would be collected by the sender however there is always the risk of FX movements if the shipping note is listed in Euros rather than GBP

If not VAT would be 20% so £26 plus an admin fee of circa £12-14. Again its under £135 so would be exempt from duty

sheramber

It will depend on what Wardow put on the customs slip for cost + postage. Up to £135 - no charge, they pay duty. Over £135 you pay. 

Halloumi4ever

I just wanted to update everyone. I got my package, didn't need to pay anything. 😊

I guess keeping it under £130 is the trick. 

Halloumi4ever

I meant £135! 😅

Aylesbury_Duck

You should be ok, but you may yet get a charge.  Many couriers will deliver the item having paid any charges themselves, then bill the recipient later.  They don't hold the item "ransom" awaiting the customer's payment because that would mean a huge warehouse and a load of administrative hassle.  Keep an eye on the post in the next few weeks.

DullGreyGuy

Aylesbury_Duck said:

You should be ok, but you may yet get a charge.  Many couriers will deliver the item having paid any charges themselves, then bill the recipient later.  They don't hold the item "ransom" awaiting the customer's payment because that would mean a huge warehouse and a load of administrative hassle.  Keep an eye on the post in the next few weeks.

Fully agree with this but anecdotally I've recently had more couriers require payment up front... DHL (or maybe it was FedEx?) asked for payment when the parcel hadnt even left Japan and similarly ParcelForce held delivery until payment was made but they only requested payment when the parcel had landed in the UK 

bris

It depends how much it is, a lot of couriers want paid upfront when it's over £135, but send an invoice when under that.

Op's looks like its under so can probably expect an invoice to follow.

You have to remember that stupid thing we did called Brexit.

We are now importers when we buy from the EU, just remember that when you buy from them next time.